OLYMPIA — The Washington State Senate on Wednesday passed Senate Bill 5098, legislation sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle), to restrict the possession of weapons in certain public spaces where children and families are likely to be present. After passing the Senate last year but not advancing in the House, the bill again cleared the chamber as Valdez pushes to strengthen public safety statewide. “This bill has been a long time coming,” Valdez said. “People across Washington have told me they want parks, county fairgrounds, and community events to be safe places for their families. We’ve listened, we’ve done the work, and I’m grateful the Senate has voted to move it forward again.” SB 5098 restricts weapons at designated park facilities where children are likely ...
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About Javier
Javier Valdez is the proud son and grandson of farmworkers and laborers. A product of public education, Javier holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Washington and a master’s degree in public administration from Baruch College, the City University of New York, as a participant in the National Urban Fellows program. Javier has worked for the City of Seattle for over 20 years, where he led Seattle City Light’s women and minority business (WMBE) program, served as a special assistant on WMBE programs in the Seattle Mayor’s Office, and currently as a senior equity and inclusion advisor with the City of Seattle Finance and Administrative Services Department.
Javier is chair of the State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Committee and is a member of the Law and Justice and Transportation committees.
Read Javier’s full biography here.
Javier in the News
OLYMPIA — Did you vote? If not, you’re in substantial company. According to preliminary data, roughly 64% of eligible Washington voters didn’t cast a ballot in the Nov. 7 general election, when 3,095 races for city, school board ...
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Washington lawmakers are considering a new proposal to prohibit weapons, including firearms, in more public spaces in the state. Under the legislation, public libraries, zoos, aquariums, parks, transit stations and state or local public buildings would be added to the ...
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